Endoscopy as a new method for sex determination in Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii)

Determination of sex and gonadal development of Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii) by using endoscopy as a new and less aggressive method for sturgeon conservation is the aim of this study. the gonadal development status of 23 Siberian sturgeons (7 years) by using endoscopy and histology for confirmation investigated in Shahid Dr. Beheshti Sturgeon Fish Propagation and Rearing Complex, located in Guilan, Iran. The system consists of a 7.5 mm, 30°, 22 cm long cytoscope sheath, fiber-optic light, halogen cold light source (150 W, #30801, Gima, Gessate, MI, Italy) and video camera installed on laptop. The results showed 52% female and 48% male identified by endoscopy which histology studies confirmed it, so the accuracy of sex identification was 100%. Our results suggest that endoscopy is an efficient technique for sex identification as well as the determination of gonadal development stages in Siberian sturgeon. Correct performing of this method in sex identification and gonadal development stages can help conserving of this valuable fish and economy of our country.